NCERT

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Context: On September 1, 2023, the Union Education Minister announced that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been granted the status of a deemed university. This announcement was made during an event celebrating the 63rd foundation day of NCERT in the national capital.

Key points from the announcement and event

• Deemed University Status: The Union Education Minister declared that NCERT would be granted the status of a deemed university. This change in status will enable NCERT to offer graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees, expanding its academic offerings.
• Merger of Bal Bhavans and Bal Vatika: Dharmendra Pradhan also proposed the merger of Bal Bhavans and Bal Vatika with NCERT. This move aims to provide holistic education to children by integrating these institutions into NCERT's educational framework.
• Background of NCERT: NCERT, established in 1961 under the Society Act, plays a crucial role in assisting and advising the government in matters related to school education. It has been a significant contributor to the development of educational policies and curricula in India.
• Deemed-to-be-University Status: Institutions that are granted the status of "deemed-to-be-university" by the Central government, on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC), enjoy the academic status and privileges of a university. This status allows them to offer a wider range of academic programs.
• Inauguration of Labs: During the event, Pradhan inaugurated three labs, including a lab focused on virtual reality education and another dedicated to a teacher training centre. These labs are expected to enhance the quality of education and training offered by NCERT.
• National Education Policy (NEP) Reference: The Education Minister drew parallels between the success of Chandrayaan-3 and the National Education Policy. He expressed confidence that the NEP would be as successful as the recent ISRO project, highlighting the importance of educational reforms in India.
• Curriculum Development: Prior to this announcement, NCERT had formed a committee tasked with shaping the curriculum and textbooks for classes 3 to 12. The committee's primary goal is to align the curriculum with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE), developed under the guidance of the K Kasturirangan-led steering committee as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation.

In summary, the Union Education Minister's announcement marked a significant development for NCERT, granting it deemed university status and expanding its role in providing higher education. Additionally, the event highlighted the importance of educational reforms and the alignment of the curriculum with the National Education Policy.

National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)

About

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is a vital institution in India's educational landscape. Established in 1961 by the Government of India, NCERT operates as an autonomous organization with the primary mission of improving the quality of school education in the country.

Key Highlights

• Research in School Education: NCERT's foremost objective is to conduct, promote, and coordinate research in areas related to school education. This research serves as the foundation for developing effective educational policies, strategies, and practices.
• Textbook Development: NCERT is responsible for preparing and publishing model textbooks for various subjects and grade levels. These textbooks are designed to provide a high-quality and standardized curriculum for students across India.
• Supplementary Materials: In addition to textbooks, NCERT develops supplementary materials to support and enhance the learning process. These materials include workbooks, reference books, and other resources to assist students and teachers.
• Educational Publications: NCERT publishes newsletters, journals, and research papers in the field of education. These publications disseminate valuable information, research findings, and best practices to educators, policymakers, and the public.
• Educational Kits and Digital Materials: NCERT creates educational kits and multimedia digital materials to facilitate interactive and engaging learning experiences for students. These resources align with modern educational technologies and pedagogical practices.
• Teacher Training: NCERT plays a crucial role in organizing pre-service and in-service training programs for teachers. These training initiatives aim to enhance teachers' pedagogical skills, subject knowledge, and teaching methods.
• Innovative Educational Techniques: NCERT is dedicated to developing and disseminating innovative educational techniques and practices. It encourages the adoption of effective teaching methods and approaches that cater to diverse learning needs.
• Collaboration and Networking: NCERT collaborates and networks with state educational departments, universities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other educational institutions. This collaboration fosters the exchange of ideas, resources, and expertise to improve the education system.
• Clearing House for Information: NCERT serves as a clearing house for ideas and information related to school education. It collects, synthesizes, and disseminates educational data, research findings, and policy recommendations.
• Universalization of Elementary Education: NCERT acts as a nodal agency for achieving the goals of the Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE). It provides guidance and support to ensure that every child in India has access to quality elementary education.
• International Collaboration: NCERT engages in bilateral cultural exchange programs with other countries in the field of school education. It also collaborates with international organizations and hosts foreign delegations to share knowledge and best practices.
• Training Facilities for Developing Countries: NCERT offers training facilities and expertise to educational personnel from developing countries. This international outreach helps in capacity building and educational development in partner countries.

Summary

• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is a multifaceted organization dedicated to improving the quality of school education in India. Its wide range of activities, from research and curriculum development to teacher training and international collaboration, plays a pivotal role in shaping India's education system and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students. NCERT's contributions extend beyond national borders, making it a significant player in global educational development efforts.

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Deemed University: https://iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/deemed-university-status-13

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements in the context of Deemed University in India: 1. Deemed Universities can design their curriculum, conduct their examinations, and make decisions regarding faculty appointments and other administrative aspects. 2. Degrees awarded by Deemed Universities are recognized by the government and are considered equivalent to degrees from traditional universities. 3. They have their admission processes, which may include entrance exams, interviews, and academic criteria. 4. Deemed Universities do not receive grants and funding from government agencies and other sources. How many of the above statements is/are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: C Explanation:  Key points to understand about Deemed Universities in India: 1. Autonomy: Deemed Universities enjoy a significant degree of autonomy in academic and administrative matters. They can design their curriculum, conduct their examinations, and make decisions regarding faculty appointments and other administrative aspects. 2. Recognition: Degrees awarded by Deemed Universities are recognized by the government and are considered equivalent to degrees from traditional universities. This recognition is granted by the UGC, which oversees higher education in India. 3. Admission Process: Deemed Universities typically have their admission processes, which may include entrance exams, interviews, and academic criteria. Admission requirements can vary from one institution to another. 4. Funding: While Deemed Universities have autonomy, they may receive grants and funding from government agencies and other sources to support research and infrastructure development.

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